Database Infrastructure Engineer (PostgreSQL & High Availability)

What you'll do

You will join a small team of experts managing the PostgreSQL and MySQL databases supporting the LHC experiments, accelerator operations and organisation-wide services. You will help build and automate a modern, highly available database platform, with training and mentoring to grow your skills.

Your responsibilities

Operate and improve production PostgreSQL (and MySQL) databases: troubleshooting, upgrades, migrations, patching and scaling.
Help design, deploy and run highly available database setups with automated failover.
Automate provisioning, configuration and routine operations using scripting and infrastructure tools.
Monitor databases for performance, stability, availability and security.
Contribute to backup, disaster recovery and service continuity strategies.
Support application developers in diagnosing database and query issues.
Document procedures and share knowledge within the team.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Hands-on experience (typically 2+ years, including internships or substantial projects) administering relational databases, ideally PostgreSQL, in a professional environment.
Good troubleshooting skills: performance analysis, query tuning, replication, backup and recovery.
Knowledge of SQL, and scripting in Python or shell for automation.
Good understanding of Linux systems and an interest in database infrastructure, reliability and automation.
Familiarity with high availability, replication, clustering, backup/recovery or infrastructure automation would be an advantage..
Experience with technologies such as Patroni, Consul, HAProxy, PgBouncer, Kubernetes or configuration-management tools is welcome, but not required..
Ability to troubleshoot technical problems, learn new technologies and work collaboratively with infrastructure and application teams.
Master's Degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computing Science, or a science discipline (e.g., Physics) with significant computing content. or a related field.

Your skills

Administration of databases: architectures
Knowledge of operating systems: such as Linux
Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: SQL, Python and Shell
Architecture and design of ICT systems: interest in designing resilient, distributed infrastructure
Identifies, defines and assesses problems, takes action to address them.
Delivers high quality work on time and fulfils expectations.
Builds and maintains constructive and effective work relationships.
Delivers presentations in a structured and clear way; adjusts style and content to the audience; responds calmly and confidently to questions.
Keeps up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbs new information.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/03/2027

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Employment conditions

Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum net entry-salary of 9236 Swiss Francs per month, increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
A relocation package (installation grant, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Let's get you ready

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot, Croatian and Turkish nationals, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

Your CV (English or French)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The IT Department designs, operates, and evolves CERN’s core computing and digital infrastructure. It provides the large-scale data processing, storage, networking, and collaboration services that enable CERN’s scientific programme. The Department supports the LHC and non-LHC experiments, accelerator systems, and the wider CERN community, while advancing new computing technologies through research, development, and strategic partnerships.

Overview of CERN

Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

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Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions

What should I expect during my first week at CERN?

Your onboarding at CERN includes a comprehensive induction programme, which starts with an official welcome session at the beginning of each month. In addition, you will receive important information both before and after your arrival to ensure a smooth transition into your new role. This process is designed to help you get acquainted with CERN’s environment, your team, and the tools and systems you’ll be using.
How big would the team be?

The size of the team you'll be working with at CERN depends on the specific role and department. Some teams are small and highly specialized, while others are larger and more interdisciplinary. During the interview process, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the team structure for the position you are applying for.
What is the working language at CERN?

The working languages at CERN are English and French. However, it is not always mandatory to speak both languages to work at CERN. We offer language training to help you acquiring the other language.
What support does CERN provide for relocation?

CERN does not offer direct assistance with relocation. However, depending on your role and specific criteria, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as an installation allowance and coverage of travel expenses to join CERN. These benefits are designed to help ease the transition when relocating to the Geneva area. For more information, please consult the “Salary, Benefits and Support“ page.
Do I need a visa to work at CERN?

Whether you need a visa to work at CERN depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. CERN assists with the necessary visa and work permit processes for its employees and visitors. The specific requirements will be communicated to you during the recruitment process.
What would my salary be?

Salaries at CERN are determined by a structured scale. Salaries are based on your role, qualifications, and experience, and are not subject to negotiation. Specific details will be provided as your application progresses. For more information, please refer to the dedicated page.